Sam Neill’s Career in Photos: ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘The Piano,’ ‘Peaky Blinders’ and More

By Ellise Shafer

Ellise Shafer

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In his more than 50 years on screen, Sam Neill — who died on Monday at the age of 78 — was a leading man of both blockbusters and independent films, had memorable turns in several prestige TV series and excelled at playing heroes and villains alike.

Though the New Zealand actor is best known for his beloved role as Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 dinosaur classic “Jurassic Park” and its follow-ups “Jurassic Park III” (2001) and “Jurassic World Dominion” (2022), Neill also starred in horror hit “Possession” (1981), Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning romance “The Piano” (1993), fantasy miniseries ‘Merlin” (1998) and Netflix’s hit show “Peaky Blinders” (2013-14).

Take a look back at Neill’s career in photos below.

• My Brilliant Career (1979)

  Image Credit: Analysis Films/courtesy Everett Collection

  After breaking through in the New Zealand thriller “Sleeping Dogs” in 1977, Neil scored a role in Gillian Armstrong’s acclaimed period drama “My Brilliant Career” alongside Judy Davis. He captivated hearts as Harry Beecham, the love interest of Davis’ Sybylla Melvyn.